Queens Park Rangers secured their second victory in three matches in the Sky Bet Championship, turning a deficit into a 2-1 win at Ewood Park. The game unfolded with a balanced first half, but Blackburn Rovers seized the initiative in the 49th minute when Ryoya Morishita unleashed a spectacular volley that left the Rovers' goalkeeper stranded.
However, QPR responded almost immediately; just two minutes later Paul Smyth displayed composure under pressure to slot home an equaliser. The decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute when Jimmy Dunne rose above the defence to head a powerful ball into the net, completing a dramatic comeback. Julian Stephan’s side demonstrated remarkable resilience, bouncing back from the early setback to collect seven points out of a possible nine, propelling them to fourth place in the league table at this early juncture of the season.
Blackburn’s unbeaten run was snapped, and while the Rovers’ effort was commendable, they lacked the depth and variety of options off the bench that QPR enjoyed. The match narrative began with Blackburn creating the first clear chance in the 21st minute. Ryan Alebiosu surged down the right flank and delivered a precise cross that found Todd Cantwell at the far post.
Cantwell’s header, however, sailed over the bar despite his best effort. Nine minutes later the same duo combined again; Alebiosu’s centre missed the intended target, yet Cantwell exhibited superb technique, stepping back before striking a bouncing ball that whistled past the far post, narrowly missing a breakthrough.
QPR had an opportunity to take the lead when Rumarn Burrell slipped a pass to Ilias Chair, only for Blackburn’s Balazs Toth to stretch his left leg and deny the striker. The tension heightened as Ronnie Edwards forced another fine save from Toth just before the break, the goalkeeper stretching fully to tip away a curling 20‑yard effort aimed for the bottom right corner.
The second half opened dramatically. Andri Gudjohnsen’s flick‑on found Morishita, who controlled the ball and unleashed an astonishing left‑foot volley from about 20 yards out. The strike flew into the top corner, giving Blackburn a stunning lead. QPR’s reaction was swift; Burrell sprinted down the right wing, delivering a low, intelligent cross that met Smyth at the near post.
Smyth guided the ball past Toth with a deft finish, restoring parity. Blackburn threatened to regain the advantage in the 53rd minute when Charles produced a superb reflex save, diving low to flick away a cross from Alebiosu. Yet QPR continued to dominate possession and create chances. Burrell’s header in the 64th minute drifted wide, and substitute Kwame Poku’s left‑wing cross also missed its target.
Edwards attempted a piledriver that clanged against the post. The decisive moment arrived with 16 minutes remaining.
After a clearance, QPR recycled the ball efficiently, and Tariq Lamptey delivered a superb cross that placed the ball perfectly for Jimmy Dunne. Dunne met the ball with a powerful header from close range, sending it into the net and securing the lead for the visitors. Alfie Lloyd saw a late Blackburn shot blocked, and QPR comfortably held on for a second consecutive win at Ewood Park. Post‑match, Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray reflected on the performance: "There are many positives.
We faced a strong side and, honestly, we managed them well. It was a tight contest.
We had periods where we were dominant, and they had their moments. The substitutions they made, like Glen Kamara and Kwame Poku, added attacking quality and changed the game positively.
We knew Adam Forshaw would only last about an hour, and we prepared for that. In the dressing room I highlighted the positives – if we can sustain the intensity we showed in the first 60 minutes for the full 90, we’ll be fine. The last 20 minutes were tough, especially conceding and the euphoria that followed. At half‑time we talked about getting a goal and at least winning 1‑0, but their subs made a difference – not a criticism of our own bench.
Overall, I’m proud of how we performed for the majority of the game." QPR manager Julien Stephan praised his team’s start and resilience: "We began well. The first 15‑20 minutes we were in control, playing good football with solid positioning and dominance. I wasn’t happy with the last 20 minutes of the first half; the quality and intensity dropped. We conceded a top‑class goal at the start of the second half, but I loved the players’ reaction.
Not only did we score quickly, but the way we played the rest of the half was impressive. The management and the players showed top quality. We were dominant, scoring twice, and we should have added another two or three goals." The match highlighted QPR’s tactical flexibility and depth, with Burrell’s wing play, Smyth’s finishing, and Dunne’s aerial prowess proving decisive. Blackburn, despite a strong start, will need to address bench depth and defensive organization to bounce back in upcoming fixtures.
The victory solidifies QPR’s position among the league’s front‑runners and sets the stage for an exciting promotion chase as the season progresses.